Acquiring, Representing, and Evaluating a Competence Model of Diagnostic Strategy.

Abstract

NEOMYCIN is a computer program that models one physician's diagnostic reasoning within a limited area of medicine. NEOMYCIN's diagnostic procedure is represented in a well-structured way, separately from the domain knowledge it operates upon. We are testing the hypothesis that such a procedure can be used to simulate both expert problem-solving behavior and a good teacher's explanations of reasoning. The model is acquired by protocol, analysis, using a framework that separates an expert's causal explanations of evidence from his descriptions of knowledge relations and strategies. The model is represented by a procedural network of goals and rules that are stated in terms of the effect the problem solver is trying to have on his evolving model of the world. The model is evaluated for sufficiency by testing it in different settings requiring expertise, such as providing advice and teaching. The model is evaluated for plausibility by arguing that the constraints implicit in the diagnostic procedure are imposed by the task domain and human computational capability. This paper discussed NEOMYCIN's diagnostic procedure in detail, viewing it as a memory aid, as a set of operators, as proceduralized constraints, and as a grammar.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1985
Accession Number
ADA162223

Entities

People

  • William J. Clancey

Organizations

  • Stanford University

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Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Bacterial Infections
  • Cognition
  • Cognitive Science
  • Computer Programs
  • Computer Science
  • Computers
  • Health Services
  • Medical Personnel
  • Meningitis
  • Military Research
  • Psychology
  • Reasoning
  • Students
  • Thinking

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  • Artificial Intelligence